Shakahola Returns: More Bodies Unearthed at Kwa Bi Nzaro

At least 32 bodies have been exhumed from shallow graves in Kwa Bi Nzaro, Kilifi County, in an investigation linked to a suspected revival of cult-related deaths near the Shakahola forest.

Forensic teams and homicide detectives have uncovered additional grave sites in the remote village, with authorities mapping over two dozen suspected burial locations. The victims, many originating from counties in western Kenya, are believed to have followed the same radical teachings promoted by Paul Mackenzie, the preacher at the centre of the 2023 Shakahola massacre that left more than 450 dead. 

Officials suspect that some of the deceased were survivors of that earlier tragedy who later returned to the forest after facing rejection in their home communities. Post-mortem observations indicate a change in burial methods compared to Shakahola. The bodies in Kwa Bi Nzaro were found without clothing or traditional coverings and appeared to have been buried hastily. 

According to government pathologists, this shift suggests evolving tactics by members of the cult, who may be operating more covertly. The remote location and the lack of missing persons reports from local residents further delayed detection. Local leaders have said that none of the victims are from the village itself, which has a population of fewer than 600 people. 

Police have arrested 11 suspects believed to be affiliated with Mackenzie’s religious group. Among them is a senior cult member who claims to have knowledge of 49 deaths, including 33 victims from western Kenya and 16 from other regions. Investigators say cult operatives travelled across the country to recruit new followers, instructing them to undertake extreme fasting in anticipation of spiritual salvation.

A Senate inquiry into the 2023 massacre highlighted major lapses in law enforcement and local administration. The report criticised Kilifi County officials for obstructing investigations, citing transfers of key personnel and a lack of cooperation.

It also noted that police delayed acting on early warnings and later withdrew from the forest under unclear circumstances following a phone call from an unidentified source. Although disciplinary measures were recommended for 11 officers, no prosecutions or official sanctions have followed.